Make a Probability Distribution in Easy Steps + Video

Make a probability distribution: Overview

A normal distribution curve is one kind of probability distribution.

A probability distribution is basically a chart of what the probability of an event happening is. It’s a way of quickly viewing the event, and the probability of that event. Probability distribution charts can get quite complex in statistics. For example, a normal distribution or t-distribution chart usually requires some form of technology (like Microsoft Excel or the TI-83 calculator) to create. However, you can construct a basic probability distribution showing events and probabilities in a few easy steps.

Construct a probability distribution: Steps

Sample question: Construct a probability distribution for the following scenario: the probability of a sausage making machine producing 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 misshapen sausages per day are 0.09, 0.07, 0.1, 0.04,0.12, and 0.02.

Step 1:Write down the number of widgets (things, items, products or other named thing) given on one horizontal line. In this case, the widgets in this question are the “misshapen sausages”.

Making the first line of the probability distribution chart.

Step 2:Directly underneath the first line, write the probability of the event happening.

The probability of the sausage machine producing 0 misshapen sausages a day is 0.09. Write “0.09” directly under “0”.

The probability of the sausage machine producing 1 misshapen sausages a day is 0.07. Write “0.07” directly under “1”.

The probability of the sausage machine producing 2 misshapen sausages a day is 0.1. Write “0.1” directly under “2”.

The probability of the sausage machine producing 3 misshapen sausages a day is 0.04. Write “0.04” directly under “3”.

The probability of the sausage machine producing 4 misshapen sausages a day is 0.12. Write “0.12” directly under “4”.

The probability of the sausage machine producing 5 misshapen sausages a day is 0.02. Write “0.02” directly under “5”.